Haiti enjoyed some good international press coverage in 2013 and for much of 2014, with news of many internationally reputed company entering the country's market. From the opening of many international hotels in Petion-Ville to the inauguration of an international airport in Cap-Haitian to accommodate the influx of tourists visiting the shores of the impoverished nation.

Haiti's Ministry of Tourism had managed to put a robust social media campaign aiming at changing people's perspective of the country usually known for its crimes, violence, corruption, poverty and endless political crisis.

Haiti was promoted as one of the safest places in the Americas with lowest crime rates in Caribbean according to UN stats, in the hope of attracting tourists and international investments. Who doesn't remember the slogan" Haiti is open for business" or "Haiti, Experience it"

But lately, it seems that the Haitian government efforts are crashing down, as the United States and now France have posted travel warnings about Haiti, amidst the recent protests, attracting crowds of tens of thousands in various part of the country, asking for President Michel Martelly and Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe to resign due to the president's inability to organize local elections three years overdue.

On December 1st, 2014 France followed the US and put out its warning to French citizens or anyone thinking about going to Haiti:

"The demonstrations taking place repeatedly for some time in the capital and in different parts of Haiti must lead to extreme caution during travel. It is recommended to stay away from crowds.

Armed attacks at the exit of the airport in Port-au-Prince:

Faced with the upsurge of armed attacks, sometimes fatal, between the airport and their accommodation, aimed mainly travelers coming to visit their families, it is recalled that it is imperative to organize its reception by relatives or people you trust, and to minimize the transport of cash or valuables. In case of aggression, not resistance."

Security : (still in force this December 8, 2014)

"Criminal violence remains very important, especially in the two major cities, Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien. Numerous travelers, including Franco-Haitian of the diaspora from France, have been subject to armed attacks between the airport and their home in Haiti. To minimize the risk of aggression, it is imperative to ask your contacts and close to organize your reception, reduce to a minimum the transport of cash and in case of aggression not to oppose resistance.

Large Haitian cities, particularly Port-au-Prince, may be the scene of sometimes violent demonstrations. The National Police of Haiti (PNH) provides law enforcement with the support, if necessary, of the Minustah."

Recommendations :

"In general, it is still necessary for travel in the country, to exercise greater vigilance, ensuring the reception conditions, accommodation and secure transport and to strictly follow a number of rules including :

Avoid traveling in poor neighborhoods and slums, especially as regards of the capital, in Cité Soleil, Martissant, Carrefour, Jean-Marie Vincent and Bel Air as well as near the harbor and the airport Port-au-Prince ;

Avoid the border areas with the Dominican Republic, Turtle Island and the island of Gonâve; ;

Renounce travel on foot, especially at night ;

Cash withdrawals from ATMs located in public places and bank branches are to be avoided because some gangs sometimes wait for their prey at the exit of these institutions."